Top Image: African American crew of an M1 155mm howitzer in action courtesy of the US Army.

Here at Aerial Resupply Coffee, we believe it’s important to understand the military history of our country. While it’s been said that those who fail to understand history are doomed to repeat it, we find that it’s important to understand history so that one can recognize when they might be headed down a similar path.

In many cases, history rhymes. So grab your favorite roast of Aerial Resupply Coffee, and let’s learn about the history of the 333rd Field Artillery Battalion.

If you’re a military history or WWII follower, there are countless stories of bravery and sacrifice during the Battle of the Bulge. Classics like Battle of the Bulge with Henry Fonda, Robert Shaw, and Charles Bronson (despite its historical inaccuracies), Patton, and HBO’s Band of Brothers give entertaining recreations of the famous surprise German offensive during WWII.

One story that should be more well-known is that of the men of the 333rd Field Artillery Battalion, an artillery unit. The 333rd was a segregated African American artillery battalion that saw action immediately after Normandy in 1944. In the fall, they were moved to the Belgium-German border and were ground zero for the Battle of the Bulge in December.

According to the National WW2 Museum, Soldiers in the 333rd took up rifles and stopped a German attack at the start of the Battle of the Bulge. Then, American commanders asked to “leave batteries behind to offer continuous support,” thinking the Americans could hold the German offensive. The 333rd laid down artillery fire and stayed as the American lines collapsed with half of the battalion killed or captured. The remaining soldiers managed to regroup and joined in the defense of Bastogne until the German offensive broke later that month.

One particularly disturbing and harrowing account includes 11 members of the 333rd who evaded capture and were hidden by civilians until they were found, tortured, and killed by German Waffen SS troops. Unfortunately, it took 73 years to officially recognize the 11 members of the 333rd massacred by their German captors when Congress passed a resolution in 2017.

Get the whole story on the brave soldiers of the 333rd here:

Formation and Training in South Carolina

The 333rd Field Artillery Battalion was formed on August 5, 1942, at Camp Gruber in Muskogee, Oklahoma, as a segregated African American unit. This battalion was part of a broader effort to integrate African American soldiers into the armed services during World War II. The regiment was reorganized into the 333rd Field Artillery Group on March 10, 1943, with the 1st Battalion becoming the 333rd Field Artillery Battalion and the 2nd Battalion becoming the 969th Field Artillery Battalion.

Training for the 333rd took place in South Carolina, where the soldiers honed their artillery and combat tactics. Despite the rigorous training, these African American soldiers faced significant challenges, including racial discrimination and segregation. At a time when less than 3% of the men fighting in the US Army were African American, the battalion’s formation was a testament to their determination and resilience. The soldiers were preparing to fight against a racist ideology abroad while confronting extreme racial attitudes at home. Their training in South Carolina was not just about mastering artillery skills but also about proving their worth and dedication to the American cause.

Deployment and Combat in Europe

In February 1944, the 333rd Field Artillery Battalion arrived in England, ready to join the fight against the Axis powers. They landed on Utah Beach, Normandy, in support of Major General Middleton’s VIII Corps. Throughout the summer of 1944, the battalion saw continuous combat, providing crucial artillery support to American forces during some of the most intense battles of the war.

By October 1944, the 333rd was deployed to Schoenberg, Belgium, as part of the U.S. VIII Corps. Their mission was to support the 106th Infantry Division in the Ardennes region, a critical area along the Belgian-German border. The conditions were harsh, with extreme weather and a lack of air support. The battalion was spread thinly along 26 miles of the Allied lines, making their task even more challenging. Despite these difficulties, the 333rd Field Artillery Battalion remained steadfast, delivering vital artillery fire that played a significant role in the Allied efforts.

The Wereth Massacre

On December 17, 1944, the 333rd Field Artillery Battalion faced one of its darkest moments. As German forces launched a surprise attack on the American lines, the battalion was overrun by the Waffen-SS. Eleven African American soldiers from the battalion were captured and taken to the town of Wereth. There, they were subjected to brutal torture by the German troops, who used rifle butts and bayonets to inflict severe injuries before ultimately murdering them.

The bodies of these soldiers were later found with horrific injuries, a stark reminder of the brutality they faced. Despite the severity of the massacre, it was initially ignored by US Army investigators. It wasn’t until 2017 that Congress passed a resolution recognizing the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of the “Wereth Eleven.” This long-overdue recognition highlighted the courage and resilience of these African American soldiers, whose sacrifice had been overlooked for decades.

Legacy and Recognition

The 333rd Field Artillery Battalion’s legacy is one of bravery, skill, and sacrifice. For their exceptional performance at Bastogne, the unit was awarded a Presidential Unit Citation, a testament to their courage and effectiveness in battle. The battalion’s story is a powerful symbol of African American service during World War II, showcasing their vital contributions to the war effort.

The Wereth 11 Memorial in Belgium stands as a poignant tribute to the eleven African American soldiers who were massacred, ensuring that their sacrifice is never forgotten. Additionally, the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana, honors the history and contributions of the 333rd Field Artillery Battalion. In 2017, Congress passed Con.Res.43, formally recognizing the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of the “Wereth Eleven.” This resolution serves as a lasting reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of the African American soldiers who served in the 333rd Field Artillery Battalion, ensuring their place in history is rightfully acknowledged.

Conclusion

The 333rd Field Artillery Battalion was a segregated African American unit that served with distinction during World War II. The unit saw continuous combat in Europe, providing vital artillery support to American forces. The Wereth massacre was a tragic event that highlighted the brutality of the German troops and the sacrifice of the African-American soldiers. The unit’s legacy lives on, and their dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice will always be remembered.